When asked by Barbara Walters in a 1981 television interview if she owned a skirt, Katharine Hepburn responded: “I have one; I’ll wear it to your funeral.” Having felt pretty much the same way about skirts ever since I left school in the 1980s, lately I have become something of a convert.
The key when shape shifting and trying a new look is to make it your own. As a lifelong, committed trouser lover like Hepburn, I can only wear a skirt if I feel completely at home. Nothing flimsy or girly. To feel confident, I need to stride out in a skirt that has attitude. This striking A-line wrap skirt in felted wool illustrates the point perfectly. From Arket’s latest collaboration with Swedish designer Pia Wallen, it comes in that brilliant hue sometimes known as “Zoomer” green – in reference to generation Z, who tend to favour such bright colours – and its felted wool fabric has both style and substance.
Lovers of Scandinavian design will be familiar with Wallen’s cool, felted wool slippers and signature cross-patterned blankets (perfect for Nordic nights in front of a boxset). In terms of her personal appearance, Wallen is an arbiter of minimalist style with a penchant for simple, monochrome outfits, adding bold accessories and bright red lipstick to enhance her long grey hair. I’m sure I am not the only one happy to be dressed in clothes designed by such an incredibly chic woman.
The pencil skirt is often thought of as a timeless classic, but the straight silhouette can signal “corporate”. The A-line, however, projects a more creative vibe. As well as being flattering, versatile and easier to walk in, the flared shape is great with both elegant and chunky boots.
Never far from a pencil skirt, Carine Roitfeld, the Parisian fashion editrix, has recently swapped her signature go-to for more relaxed cargo pants and jeans, but the 67-year-old’s ageless rock chick image could just as easily accommodate an A-line style. This Arket and Wallen wrap version looks like a kilt, feels more modern than a tight bodycon skirt and can go with a black leather jacket, a pair of knee-high boots and a must-have silk scarf. Vive la French chic.
Similarly, a denim jacket shaped in at the waist will add an understated edge to a substantial skirt. And there’s always the knitwear option: in quite possibly my all-time favourite A-line skirt moment, the 1967 movie Bonnie and Clyde sees Faye Dunaway team a checked skirt with a belted cardigan, beret and a shotgun.
Obviously, though, bringing boldness to an outfit does not require a funeral or a firearm – attitude can be attained through a splash of glorious colour, an interesting combination or a strong silhouette.
Three tips for the skirt convert
Yes, you can wear a skirt with flat shoes.
Take inspiration from Coco Chanel who often paired her knee-length skirts with brogues, flat Mary Jane shoes and white plimsolls. The A-line shape also looks neat with pointy flats and sporty trainers.
Get your coat…
I never thought I’d do matchy-matchy, but the Arket and Pia Wallen collaboration features a gorgeous green coat. Crucially, it’s a similar length to the skirt – and looks fab (as shown on the brand’s website) with a jersey polo neck and chunky knee-high boots. If doubling up is not your thing, show off your skirt with a neatly fitted single-breasted blazer or denim jacket.
…Or your cardi
The combination of cardigan and skirt is chic, elegant and never goes out of style. Choose a neat button-up or a belted wrap to balance the proportion of an A-line skirt.
